Best Online MSN in Forensic Nursing Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online MSN in forensic nursing program?

An online MSN in forensic nursing blends advanced clinical nursing with legal, investigative, and victim advocacy skills. Expect coursework in trauma-informed care, evidence collection/preservation, legal and ethical issues, and preparation for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) roles, plus interprofessional collaboration and clinical practicums to build real-case competency.

Graduates often complete capstones or applied projects and learn to testify, document chain-of-custody, and support justice-involved patients—filling gaps where forensic nurse examiners are in short supply in many U.S. communities (e.g., WHRO reporting on examiner shortages). Demand is reinforced by niche job outlook analysis showing steady need for forensic nursing expertise.

Where can I work with an online MSN in forensic nursing program?

Graduates can plug into both health care and justice systems, acting as bridges between victims, medical teams, and law enforcement. Top employing industries include:

• Hospitals and trauma centers (especially emergency departments and SANE programs)
• Medical examiner / coroner offices
• Law enforcement and corrections (prisons, jails, police departments)
• Victim advocacy / sexual assault response centers
• Public health agencies
• Forensic laboratories and legal nurse consulting
• Academic, research, or training institutions

Because forensic nursing often aligns with advanced practice (e.g., nurse practitioner) demand, the strongest state-level opportunities are clustered where practitioner employment and growth are high:

• California
• Texas
• Florida
• New York
• Tennessee

How much can I make with an online MSN in forensic nursing program?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track “forensic nurses” separately; comparable advanced-practice roles give a proxy baseline. Nurse practitioners (MSN-level) had median annual wages in the low $130,000s (May 2024), while registered nurses—often the foundation for forensic nursing—earned roughly $93,600. 

Other sources report a wide range depending on role, specialization, and employer:

• Zippia: Average forensic nurse salary about $63,589 per year.
• Salary.com: Median annual forensic nurse salary $65,081 
• ZipRecruiter: Average around $130,295 per year.
• Indeed: Reported forensic nurse salaries averages $102,056.
• Payscale: Reports $35.71 hourly averages; that’s about $61,042 per year. 
• Glassdoor: Typical forensic nurse compensation ranges from $74K - $106K annually.

Best Online MSN in Forensic Nursing Programs for 2025

1. Duquesne University – Master of Science in Nursing, Forensic Nursing Track

Duquesne University is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, PA, founded in 1878. It is known for its distinguished School of Nursing and commitment to ethics and community service. Duquesne was one of the first institutions to offer an MSN in forensic nursing, developed in partnership with the renowned Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law. This interdisciplinary collaboration enriches the curriculum with expertise from both nursing and legal fields, reflecting Duquesne’s legacy of innovative, values-driven education.

• Program cost: $1,840/credit
• Program duration: 2.5 years
• Total credits: 36 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)

2. Xavier University – MSN – Forensic Nursing Track

Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, OH, is a private Jesuit institution founded in 1831. It has a strong reputation for liberal arts and professional education, emphasizing cura personalis (care for the whole person) in its teaching. Xavier’s MSN Forensic Nursing track reflects the university’s Jesuit philosophy of critical inquiry and social justice. The program uniquely offers a dual-degree option with criminal justice, underscoring Xavier’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Graduates benefit from the school’s extensive alumni network and career development services.

• Program cost: $722/credit
• Program duration: 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time)
• Total credits: 37 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE

3. Cleveland State University – MSN in Forensic Nursing

Cleveland State University (CSU), a public research school in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 1964, emphasizes urban and community-engaged education. It was among the earliest to offer a forensic nursing master’s degree. Its fully online MSN in Forensic Nursing, ranked #2 nationally by Nurse.org and OnlineSchoolsGuide, requires no campus residencies and provides full clinical placement support. CSU’s hands-on reputation and relatively low tuition make the program practical and accessible for working nurses. Graduates can serve victims effectively while balancing jobs professionally, sustainably.

• Program cost: $618/credit (in-state); $619/credit (out-of-state)
• Program duration: 2 years (part-time)
• Total credits: 38 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE

4. DeSales University – MSN in Forensic Nursing (with Certificate in Investigative Forensics)

DeSales University offers two routes into forensic nursing: an MSN with a concentration and Certification in Forensic Nursing and Investigative Forensics, and, for nurses who already hold a graduate nursing degree, a Post-Master’s Certification in Forensic Nursing with Certification in Investigative Forensics. The post-master’s path is fully online, requires 9–12 courses (29–39 credits) with 375 clinical hours, and can be completed in as little as two years. Both leverage DeSales’s experiential support infrastructure and integrate nursing, legal, and forensic expertise. 

• Program cost: $1,005/credit (2025–26 academic year; reviewed annually).
• Program duration: As little as two years.
• Total credits: 29–39 credits.
• Program Accreditation: CCNE.

5. Fitchburg State University – MS in Forensic Nursing

Fitchburg State University, a public school in Massachusetts founded in 1894, serves adult learners with online graduate options. Its fully online Master of Science in Forensic Nursing was among New England’s first. The 39-credit program allows up to six years for completion, teaching trauma investigation, victim advocacy, and legal collaboration. Its affordable, asynchronous format suits working nurses seeking flexible specialization within a community-oriented mission. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates to support justice-system interactions effectively within legal settings.

• Program cost: $347/credit
• Program duration: ~3 years (part-time; as few as 3 years, up to 6 years allowed)
• Total credits: 39 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE

6. Aspen University – MSN: Forensic Nursing Specialization

Aspen University, a private online school headquartered in Denver, Colorado, offers a flexible MSN with a Forensic Nursing specialization. The program teaches nurses to combine clinical care and legal investigation, using modular fully online coursework that lets full-time professionals continue working while advancing. Students learn evidence collection, victim advocacy, and forensic documentation through a curriculum designed for working RNs, with pacing that accommodates their schedules and integrates healthcare and justice system priorities. It emphasizes practical skills and supports career advancement.

• Program cost: $650/credit (estimated; tuition varies slightly by year)
• Program duration: 16–17 months (accelerated full-time)
• Total credits: 36 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE (and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing)

7. Oakland University – MSN: Forensic Nursing

Oakland University, a public research school in Rochester, Michigan (founded 1957), is known for health sciences and hosts the state’s only fully online MSN in Forensic Nursing. Endorsed by Virginia Lynch, the 39-credit, 28-month curriculum prepares graduates for roles from SANE to death investigator. Campus simulation labs support the online delivery, and ties to Michigan healthcare systems enhance credibility. Students acquire interdisciplinary skills and use regional partnerships to find employment quickly and maintain connections with justice and public health actors.

• Program cost: ~$951.50/credit (Michigan resident); ~$1,078/credit (out-of-state)
• Program duration: 28 months (approximately 2⅓ years)
• Total credits: 39 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE

8. Stevenson University – Online MSN, Forensic Nursing Concentration

Stevenson University, a private Maryland institution, emphasizes career-focused education. Its online MSN includes a Forensic Nursing concentration that blends nursing and forensic science. Delivered in six 8-week terms annually, it gives busy professionals flexible pacing. Students gain clinical skills, evidence collection techniques, and legal knowledge through an interdisciplinary curriculum. Small classes and faculty mentorship sharpen leadership capacity in clinical and legal roles. The program prioritizes practical preparation, allowing nurses to advance in forensic healthcare without sacrificing work schedules effectively professionally.

• Program cost: $641/credit
• Program duration: ~2 years (accelerated schedule)
• Total credits: 36 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE

9. Monmouth University – MSN: Forensic Nursing

Monmouth University, a private school in West Long Branch, New Jersey, offers an online MSN in Forensic Nursing with multiple entry paths, including an RN-to-MSN bridge. The program blends nursing and legal response to interpersonal violence and crime scene investigation. Faculty and a nationally recognized simulation lab support learning. Students develop advanced practice skills and use data to guide forensic care. The degree takes about two years, preparing graduates to work at the intersection of healthcare and justice effectively professionally.

• Program cost: ~$918/credit (tuition for 2024–25)
• Program duration: ~2 years
• Total credits: 39 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE

10. Pittsburg State University – MSN, Forensic Nursing Leadership Emphasis

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State University in Kansas emphasizes hands-on learning and career readiness and ranks among the top Midwest public schools. Its Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing offers a fully online 33-credit MSN with a Forensic Nursing Leadership emphasis, blending clinical forensic skills and organizational leadership, including policy and program development in criminal justice. The “Gorilla Advantage” program gives in-state tuition to residents of 32 states, boosting affordability. Graduates are prepared to lead forensic nursing initiatives regionally effectively.

• Program cost: ~$409/credit (standard online graduate tuition)
• Program duration: ~2 years (full-time)
• Total credits: 33 credits
• Program Accreditation: CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)

How long does it take to complete an online MSN in forensic nursing program?

Online MSN in forensic nursing programs usually take about two to three years for BSN-prepared nurses, reflecting a 36-to-39-credit core; part-time students can stretch to three years. Nurses from ADN/RN backgrounds often pursue RN-to-MSN bridges— for context compare timelines with the shortest RN to MSN online program. 

Full-time cohorts in forensic nursing at some schools graduate in roughly 24 to 28 months, while part-time enrollment lets working clinicians slow their pace to fit schedules. Clinical practicum hours are coordinated locally, so students don’t have to relocate, though delays in lining up placements can push completion toward the longer end. 

Programs commonly offer flexible scheduling or formal extensions to accommodate work and family obligations. Previous graduate nursing credit or approved transfer hours can shave time off the degree, giving experienced nurses modest acceleration while others take the full three years. 

How does an online MSN in forensic nursing compare to an on-campus program?

Online and on-campus forensic nursing MSN programs now often share core curriculum and accreditation expectations, so graduates meet equivalent competency standards when the program is properly accredited. Professionals exploring instructional design master's online programs may notice similar approaches to ensuring academic rigor, structured learning, and measurable outcomes in online graduate education.

Online delivery gives working nurses flexibility to complete coursework asynchronously, cutting commuting and housing costs, while still embedding required clinical placements locally; many programs supplement learning with virtual simulation experiences. 

On-campus versions tend to offer more spontaneous peer interaction, immediate access to faculty, and centralized simulation and lab facilities, which some students find helpful for mentorship and real-time feedback. 

Both formats usually provide advising and career support, and employers have become increasingly accepting of online credentials from reputable institutions. 

The following chart shows 2023 RN credentials—mostly bachelor’s and associate degrees with fewer master’s—highlighting that both online and on-campus MSN forensic nursing programs build on varied nursing backgrounds while maintaining equivalent competency standards.

What is the average cost of online MSN in forensic nursing programs?

Online MSN in forensic nursing programs price their degrees per credit, and total tuition varies. The MSN degree is offered at a wide range of price points; the most affordable fully online options can total $10,000–$30,000 in tuition, with per-credit rates commonly $400–$800. 

Specializations like forensic nursing usually carry the same credit load as other MSN tracks, so total cost mirrors the broader program. Applicants must also budget for fees, course materials, and clinical placement costs, which can add several thousand dollars. 

Comparing per-credit charges, required credits, and institutional fees helps estimate real out-of-pocket investment. Economic pressure from rising higher education costs makes this comparison critical. Some programs offer flat or cohort pricing, while others vary by residency status; online students should request detailed breakdowns and inquire about institutional discounts. Many schools provide payment plans or bundled fee structures to reduce upfront burden.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online MSN in forensic nursing program?

Most online MSN forensic nursing students combine multiple funding sources; about 74% of graduate students receive aid, per NCES data released in 2023. Common options include:

• Federal student loans (Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS) to cover tuition gaps; borrowers file the FAFSA and PLUS loans have a credit review.
• Nursing-specific scholarships and grants from AACN and specialty nursing organizations reduce debt without repayment.
• Loan forgiveness/repayment programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness and evolving income-driven plans; recent federal actions have canceled billions for public service workers, including nurses.
• Employer educational assistance under IRC Section 127 provides up to $5,250 tax-free annually for tuition or qualified loan payments, lowering out-of-pocket costs.
• Institutional and merit aid plus shopping among the cheapest MSN programs to minimize borrowing and stack school-specific grants.

Many students also tap local health system partnerships or state nursing incentives when available. Stacking these sources strategically can significantly reduce total debt.

Below the image shows that in 2023 the IAFN awarded 24 scholarships for the 40-hour SANE didactic training and four for the Intimate Partner Violence Nurse Examiner certificate, underscoring limited but targeted funding available to forensic nursing students.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online MSN in forensic nursing program?

Admission combines typical MSN entry standards with forensic-specific expectations to ensure clinical competence and legal-science integration. Programs vary, but most also ask for evidence of professional readiness and adhere to application deadlines. Professionals pursuing online CGRC certification ISC2 may find the emphasis on verified competencies, structured prerequisites, and practical experience comparable to those in advanced nursing certifications.

• Active, unencumbered RN license in the U.S. or its territories, proving current clinical eligibility and practice authority.
• Bachelor’s degree (usually a BSN; some schools accept non-nursing bachelor’s degrees if applicants complete leveling or bridge courses first).
• Minimum undergraduate GPA around 3.0, sometimes evaluated on recent coursework or overall record.
• Completion of a statistics or research methods course to support evidence-based practice and scholarship.
• At least one year of clinical RN experience, required or strongly preferred, to demonstrate practical judgment.
• Two letters of recommendation and a professional statement outlining motivation, goals, and forensic interest.
• Resume or CV, official transcripts, and in some cases an interview for final selection.
• Background check, drug screening, immunization verification, and current BLS/CPR certification before clinical placements.

The sharp growth—49% more applicants, 38% more new certificants, and a 74% rise in total certificants over five years—means programs keep strict prerequisites (active RN license, clinical experience, background checks) to ensure readiness for expanding forensic roles.

SANE-A (adolescent) and SANE-P (pediatric) Forensic Nursing Certificates Are Becoming Popular

Source: International Association of Forensic Nurses, 2024

Designed by

What courses are typically in an online MSN in forensic nursing program?

Curricula layer advanced nursing science with forensic specialization, research, and hands-on integration. Similar to a masters in higher education online, which combines theory, research, and practical application, forensic nursing programs emphasize both scholarly knowledge and real-world experience. Common courses include:

• Foundations of Forensic Nursing Science, covering trauma-informed frameworks and victim/perpetrator dynamics.
• Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, for understanding complex health conditions in forensic contexts.
• Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, building comprehensive clinical evaluation skills.
• Pharmacology for Advanced Practice, focusing on medication effects and management.
• Evidence-Based Practice and Translational Research, training nurses to apply and disseminate research.
• Forensic Methodologies and The Legal System, including evidence collection and expert testimony preparation.
• Interpersonal Violence and Maltreatment with associated clinical practicum, emphasizing identification and advocacy.
• Forensic Nursing Quality, Safety, Risk, and Death, addressing systemic oversight and death investigations.
• Advanced Forensic Nursing Seminar and Clinical, integrating knowledge in applied settings.
• Capstone/practicum or scholarly project that synthesizes specialty skills under supervision.

Most programs also require a supervised practicum of several hundred hours to ensure real-world competency. 

The following chart shows the top skills forensic nurses list in 2025—like patient care, evidence collection, mental health, and child abuse—and the listed courses directly develop those capabilities, from advanced assessment to forensic methodologies.

What types of specializations are available in an online MSN in forensic nursing programs?

Online MSN in forensic nursing programs often layer sub-specializations or certifications so graduates can focus on victim populations, settings, or legal roles. Similar to a masters in nursing executive leadership online, which allows students to focus on leadership areas and specialized tracks, forensic nursing programs help employers identify expertise and prepare nurses for responsibilities in investigations, trauma care, and testimony. Common specializations include:

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE): specialized training in sexual violence assessment and evidence collection.
• Forensic Nurse Death Investigator: combines nursing and forensic science to lead unexplained death inquiries.
• Legal Nurse Consultant: advising legal professionals using clinical knowledge on case development.
• Forensic Psychiatric Nursing: addressing mental health within criminal justice and victim care contexts.
• Correctional/Forensic Correctional Nursing: serving incarcerated populations with specialized health and safety needs.
• Geriatric and Pediatric/Child Abuse Forensic Nursing: focusing on vulnerable elders and children in abuse investigations.
• Emergency Room Forensic Nursing: integrating acute care with initial evidence preservation.
• Clinical Forensic Nursing, Human Rights Abuse Investigations, and Forensic Nurse Education: spanning system-level training, advocacy, and teaching.

How do you choose the best online MSN in forensic nursing program?

Selecting the best online MSN in forensic nursing program demands a checklist to avoid wasted time and money. Consider these factors:

1. Confirm programmatic accreditation by CCNE or ACEN and regional institutional recognition.
2. Verify forensic tracks and certifications like SANE, death investigation, and legal nurse consulting align with your goals.
3. Assess clinical placement support, supervised practicum structure, and faculty oversight required by accreditation standards.
4. Review faculty expertise, learning resources, and student support such as advising and career services.
5. Check state authorization and licensure compatibility to ensure you can enroll and qualify for forensic roles.
6. Examine reputation and outcomes, including job placement and graduate success metrics.
7. Factor cost, aid, and prerequisites; if you lack a BSN, consult the

The image’s data—95,116 online CE credits, 3,608 course completers, and 422 new SANE certificants in 2023—shows rising interest in the field; use the checklist to pick an accredited program aligned with that growth.

What career paths are available for graduates of online MSN in forensic nursing programs?

Graduates move along a promotion-friendly forensic nursing ladder, building scope and influence with each step.

1. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) / Forensic Nurse Examiner – entry-level specialist delivering victim-centered exams and evidence collection.
2. Forensic Nurse Investigator / Medicolegal Death Investigator – leads scene-based inquiries and death assessments, leveraging clinical and investigative skills.
3. Legal Nurse Consultant / Forensic Clinical Nurse Specialist – advises legal teams or shapes clinical protocols, translating medical facts into legal context.
4. Forensic Nursing Educator or Program Coordinator – trains new forensic nurses and manages curriculum, often promoted from specialist roles.
5. Program Director / Policy Advisor in Forensic Nursing – oversees service delivery, standards, and interagency collaboration.
6. Executive Leadership – some advance into system-level management by pursuing an MSN MBA dual degree online, combining forensic clinical authority with strategic administration.

This sequence lets clinicians expand from hands-on evidence collection to influencing program direction and healthcare strategy.

What is the job market like for graduates of online MSN in forensic nursing programs?

The job market is uneven but favorable for well-prepared forensic nurse graduates, driven by acute shortages and broader advanced-practice growth. Rural and underserved areas especially lack Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and forensic nurse examiners, forcing victims to travel excessively; shortages are documented in Virginia and highlighted by regional press. TeleSANE initiatives are emerging to extend reach where local examiners are scarce. 

At the same time, advanced-practice roles like nurse practitioners are expanding rapidly—projected growth of roughly 40% from 2023 to 2033—providing a strong umbrella demand for MSN-prepared forensic nurses with advanced credentials. 

Niche forensic nursing roles (investigator, consultant, clinical specialist) carry steady demand, and the formal career guide notes persistent need despite the field’s specialized size.Professional associations (e.g., IAFN) help consolidate opportunities and advocacy, supporting placement and standards.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online MSN in Forensic Nursing Program

Other Things You Should Know About the Best Online MSN in Forensic Nursing Programs

What certifications are required or recommended after completing an online MSN in forensic nursing programs?

After graduation most forensic MSN nurses pursue SANE-A or SANE-P certification from IAFN’s Commission for Forensic Nursing Certification, which requires an active RN license, recommended clinical experience, and completion of approved SANE training. Certification is renewed every three years either by exam or accumulating continuing education credits per IAFN rules; some training credits count toward renewal.

How are clinical practicum placements arranged in fully online forensic nursing MSN programs?

Fully online forensic nursing MSN programs usually help students secure local clinical placements through dedicated placement teams or partner networks. Advisors match nurses with approved preceptors near their homes; some programs expect students to identify sites, with schools verifying background checks and compliance. Support offices coordinate scheduling and documentation so practicums meet accreditation and specialty standards.

Can I practice forensic nursing across state lines with an online degree?

Cross-state forensic nursing practice depends on your license. Registered nurses in compact states use the Nurse Licensure Compact for multistate privileges; advanced-practice roles await wider APRN Compact adoption, which currently faces reform efforts. Noncompact or changing residency requires individual state licensure, and programs must be authorized where the student resides. Always verify with the state board before accepting cases. 

Which professional organizations should I join to support my forensic nursing career?

Join the International Association of Forensic Nurses and the Academy of Forensic Nursing for mentorship, job boards, discounted SANE certification/renewals, free continuing education, local chapters, and conferences. Dual affiliation with emergency nurse groups (e.g., ENA partnership) expands research access and networking. These organizations also provide advocacy, protocol guidance, and career resources tailored to forensic practice.